By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in AGARTALA | April 10, 2026
AGARTALA: A major political storm has erupted in Tripura following allegations of “inhuman behavior” by Cabinet Minister Santana Chakma toward a young auto-rickshaw driver in Pecharthal. In a strong show of dissent, the All India Road Transport Workers Federation (Tripura Unit) organized a massive demonstration in front of the Labour Department today, demanding the immediate dismissal and punishment of the Minister.
The protest, led by left-affiliated trade unions, saw hundreds of transport workers raising slogans against what they termed “ministerial high-handedness” and “assault on the dignity of labor.”
The Incident: A Clash in Pecharthal
The controversy stems from a recent confrontation in Pecharthal, North Tripura, where Minister Santana Chakma allegedly misbehaved with and physically assaulted an auto-driver following a minor traffic disagreement.
Key Allegations by the Federation:
- Assault on Duty: The federation claims the Minister violated her constitutional protocol by personally attacking a common worker.
- Abuse of Power: Witnesses and union leaders alleged that the Minister used derogatory language against the driver, leading to widespread outrage among the local transport community.
- Inhuman Conduct: The protesters described the incident as “shameful” for the state’s political culture.
“We Want Justice, Not Excuses”: Union Leaders
During the demonstration outside the Labour Commissioner’s office, senior leaders of the federation asserted that the safety and dignity of transport workers are under threat under the current administration.
”A Minister is supposed to be a protector of the people, not an aggressor. Santana Chakma’s behavior toward a helpless auto-worker is unacceptable. We are here to tell the government that the blood and sweat of transport workers run this state—we will not tolerate being slapped or insulted by those in power. We demand her immediate removal from the Cabinet,” stated Amal Chakraborty, a senior leader of the federation.
The Charter of Demands
The delegation submitted a formal memorandum to the Labour Commissioner, addressed to the Chief Minister, outlining three primary demands:
- Ministerial Resignation: The immediate dismissal of Santana Chakma from her ministerial post.
- Criminal Investigation: The filing of a formal Suo Motu case against the Minister for physical assault and intimidation.
- Protection of Workers: A state-wide guarantee for the protection of transport workers from harassment by political high-ups.
Political Heat Ahead of Polls
The timing of this protest is particularly sensitive, as Tripura is in the final countdown to the TTAADC (ADC) General Elections and the Dharmanagar bye-poll on April 12. Opposition parties, including the CPI(M) and Congress, have quickly backed the transport workers, using the incident to highlight the “arrogance of power” within the ruling BJP.
While the BJP leadership has yet to issue an official statement on the Pecharthal incident, sources suggest the party is investigating the matter internally. Meanwhile, the federation has warned that if no action is taken within 48 hours, they will call for a state-wide “Chakka Bandh” (transport strike), which could severely paralyze the movement of polling personnel and voters on election day.
